"Grizzly Discovery Center" Top 5 Page for this destination West Yellowstone by mrclay2000

West Yellowstone Travel Guide: 89 reviews and 238 photos

Canadian grizzly bear - West Yellowstone
Canadian grizzly bear
Bears and Wolves Preserved

The Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana, gives visitors a chance to watch the behavior and interactions of wolves and grizzly bears in separate habitats. Photographers will delight in the fact that the animals can be captured from the viewing areas, and with a little luck and perseverance, the animals can be taken without the artificial constructions for your backdrop.

The Center supported eight grizzly bears in the year 2000: two Canadians from Revelstoke, BC, five from coastal Alaska and one Kodiak brown bear. The markings between the Alaskans and Canadians are distinct but the two are classified as a single species.

gray wolves in a 'pack' nap - West Yellowstone

gray wolves in a 'pack' nap

Along with the bears were the wolves, over a dozen of which live in the habitat.

Spend some time over both habitats. Watch and learn as much as you can from the animals' behavior. It will not only fascinate you during your visit, but will help to foster the spiritual necessity to preserve the wild places in America, and it just might help you interpret signs and behavior when out on the trail.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Isolated habitats, great for studying animal behavior
  • Cons:Difficult to photograph without including manmade constructions
  • In a nutshell:Cheap and safe way to witness predatory wildlife up close
  • Last visit to West Yellowstone: Jul 2000
  • Intro Updated Jan 10, 2003
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Reviews (5)

the 550-lb Alaskans square off - West Yellowstone Safe Observation Things to Do (2)

The Grizzly Discovery Center gives you a good chance to observe the behavior and interaction of grizzlies and wolves... more travel advice

trying to beat the ravens to the punch - West Yellowstone The Belly Drives Everything Things to Do (2)

Grizzly Discovery Center personnel spread vegetables in caches throughout the habitat before letting the bears roam the... more travel advice

"We don't go on until 4:00!" - West Yellowstone Call ahead for a schedule Favorites (2)

The wolves generally appear in their habitat all at once. The bears are brought out in revolving groups of various... more travel advice

grizzlies at Grizzly Discover Center - West Yellowstone Watching the Bears Live in Peace Favorites (2)

Where food is abundant, bears are generally tolerant of other bears. Though the grizzlies are fed and well cared for at... more travel advice

Comments (14)

  • Reply
    roamer61's Profile Photo
    Apr 1, 2009 at 4:22 PM

    Looks like an interesting place to visit.

  • Reply
    KimberlyAnn's Profile Photo
    Mar 4, 2006 at 10:39 AM

    We live 50 miles east of Yellowstone Park, but have only driven to West Yellowstone once. It sounds like they have done a nice job with their Grizzly Discovery Center.

  • Reply
    807Wheaton's Profile Photo
    Dec 30, 2005 at 7:54 AM

    Thanks for some good tips about West Yellowstone! Greetings from Augusta, GA!

  • Reply
    DUNK67's Profile Photo
    Dec 17, 2004 at 6:52 AM

    well written tips with fantastic photos.

  • Reply
    iandsmith's Profile Photo
    Sep 4, 2004 at 2:58 AM

    Very interesting.

  • Reply
    Canadienne's Profile Photo
    Oct 23, 2003 at 8:27 PM

    Your Local Custom tip is wise advice. . .the Grizzly pics are super (that must be some zoom for your main pic. . .I hope!).

  • Reply
    annk's Profile Photo
    Oct 22, 2003 at 7:44 PM

    No need to pay *your* way as you're always fortunate enough to see them in the wild.

  • Reply
    dr.firas's Profile Photo
    Sep 2, 2003 at 9:36 AM

    Grizzly Bears are Gorgeous! I'm full with impressions from this page Mike! Thanks!

  • Reply
    herzog63's Profile Photo
    May 16, 2003 at 12:47 PM

    Maybe this summer you'll see some of those bears but there won't be any fencing between you!! Very interesting..I hadn't heard of the animal center.

  • Reply
    acemj's Profile Photo
    Apr 9, 2003 at 9:57 AM

    It's amazing how some meatheads treat animals. Beautiful, in fact, awesome animals.

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